Argentine students accept engineering 'boat challenge'

Ashley Taylor, of the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, introduced students in the Friends of Fulbright Argentina exchange program to the "boat challenge."

Student Matías Dogliani explains:

To keep learning about design process, data gaps and work team, Dr. Taylor Ashley and her team challenged us.

We had to work in teams of three people to construct a cargo boat. The challenge consisted of two rounds. At first we had to make a prototype with just one limitation: its base size. After trying this prototype with different loads in water we could see the strengths and weaknesses of our design. All three models were completely different from one another

Using the knowledge that we had acquired making the first prototype, we were asked to go on the second round. Here we had to improve designs so that they could take more weight, but also we had to consider some new limitations, too. Now the height was limited as well as the budget for the materials. Believe it or not we had to change many things from our original ideas, and we only had 30 minutes

The competition was about which boat could take more load and resist more time. Regardless of which team won, it’s worth saying that all teams incredibly improved their designs in terms of the cargo they could take. That is something that really impressed us since it was very difficult to leave behind our original boats and construct new ones: cheaper and with different sizes.

We have learned a lot about teamwork. Since we had a few minutes we had to split the task, listen to others' ideas, and learn from each other and from our previous mistakes.

Last but not least, we have also learned about design process and how to avoid data gaps. We could see that mistakes are part of the process and made us understand many things for future models. Data gaps in this challenge were also a big problem since if we had had all the information about the materials and its properties (and prices) we would have probably built a cheap prototype that worked better. In that case we could see that it would have been great to have the expertise of people of the area.

This challenge was amazing to us. We learned a lot but also we really had a great time. That’s why we would like to thank a lot to Ashley and Alex, who were in charge of the activity. We will take back home this moment and its learnings!

LCI students get to see where the money gets made

Students and faculty from Northern Virginia recently toured the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. This agency is the nation’s sole producer of U.S. paper currency.

The BEP also advises other federal agencies on document security matters and also produces engraved documents such as military commissions and award certificates, and special security documents for a variety of government agencies.

Below, LCI students share their impressions of their tour.

Video: Picnic gives LCI students a taste of American culture

International students at the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute enjoy food, companionship, and some unique learning opportunities at the summer picnic in Blacksburg.

LCI students tour National Portrait Gallery in Washington

LCI students at the Northern Virginia Center took a field trip recently to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. See photos from the trip and some of the students' reactions below.

Bassam AlSulami                                                                                                                                     

On Jun 6, we went to National Portrait Gallery. It was one of the nicest trips in my life. First, we arrived in 10:15. Second, when we entered the museum, we met the displaced tourist. Third, we went to the presidential hall, and saw different of the presidents to the united states. Overall, we learned a lot of about American history.

Abdulrahman Alghamdi

We went on a trip to National Portrait Gallery on Friday 06-20-19 , It was a very beautiful trip. First we left at 9:30, Our teachers were with us. Second, I learned a lot about America's presidents, for example George Washington and Obama Thirdly I liked the place very much, for example the variety of ways of providing information. Finally the tour guide was treated very well and she told me a lot. I loved the place a lot and advised my friends to visit it

Omar Alghonaim

On Friday June 21,2019 my friends and I went to Washington D.C to visit The National Portrait Gallery. The sky was cloudy and the wind was perfect. We took the metro to metro center and walked to the gallery. The building was huge and full of pictures, sculptures and art work. The best thing in the gallery was the art work. There was a snake made of bottle caps. I didn’t see everything in the gallery because I want to come back and continue looking around. As I mentioned it is a huge building and it is free.

Argentine Fulbright students get a taste of life as Hokies

Friends of Fulbright Argentina students meet with Jorge Chediek, director of the U.N. Office for South-South Cooperation.

For Mercedes Saenz, one of 10 undergraduate students from Argentina spending seven weeks studying at Virginia Tech, the experience is more than an academic exchange.

The biotechnology student from the National University of Rosario in Santa Fe province said much of her learning has come not from the classroom but from the residence hall. “My roommate is Pakistani-American,” Saenz said. “We’ve gotten along great since we met each other. We spend hours talking about our home countries, showing pictures, and comparing our traditions and cultures.”

In its third year at Virginia Tech, the Friends of Fulbright Argentina Undergraduate Exchange Program is organized and implemented by the Language and Culture Institute. The program enables high-achieving Argentine students to live and learn at a U.S. university. Its goals are to provide a meaningful study abroad experience for participants and to bring diverse perspectives into Virginia Tech’s classrooms.

Read more at VT News.

LCI students tour largest library in the world

Students and staff from the LCI in Northern Virginia recently visited the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, and it serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 162 million items. The collections include books, sound recordings, motion pictures, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

Read students' accounts of their field trip below.

LCI students get an inside look at the Supreme Court

In a timely field trip, students from the National Capital Region toured the Supreme Court recently. Below, several students recount their experiences.

By Seham Alqahtani

Last week, we visited Supreme Court. First, I went with professors and students on the
Metro. Second, when we arrived at Supreme Court, it was rainy and cloudy. Then, we saw paintings of the Supreme Court. It was very beautiful. Also, we entered a large hall together. There was someone talking about judges. Additionally, we a movie together. It was a lovely day,
and I enjoyed with my friends, and my professors.


Ashwaq Alhajri

I have been to many trip, in my life but I will never forget out trip to Supreme Court. It was amazing. First, the court consists of chief justice and eight justice and it looked they have good relation and care about people. Second, the design of Supreme Court was amazing and fancy. They told us it is Italy and Spain design. Third, when I saw the building I knew that it was different building it was big and the design was different from the other buildings and the colors of building  was amazing. Finally, I love when we went to Supreme Court as group and I did not see building like this because of that I love it.


Natalia Rodriguez

Can someone  imagine an unique place where the subjective art could be mixed with objective law? Certainly the temple of justice, the third power of the United States, the highest tribunal in the Nation, this is The Supreme Court of the United States. It was opened to the public in 1935. Visitors are welcome to receive a tour that include two stages.

At the beginning is notorious to see majestic art sculptures, figures and symbols outdoors and indoors to the building that express different meanings related to both American and legal themes. Its design detail represent an ancient history that brought shocking facts or events which ones marked and formed the nominated “Constitution”. Afterwards, is impressive to see across the Great Hall busts of former Chief justices, then the large landmark John Marshall statue, who made the Nation's longest serving Chief Justice from 1801-1835 and huge columns and pedestals along the side walls made of an exclusive marble from Spain and Italy.

The first stage of the tour is performance inside The Courtroom where the tour guide explain about who are the participants with their seating area assigned, the judicial functions of the Supreme Court and the building's history in a 30 minutes program. The participants in the Courtroom are: Justices, Clerk, Marshal, Marshal's AIDES, Attorneys, Law Clerks, Special Guests and News Media. The Supreme Court meets between October and June. The Court generally hears two one-hour arguments a day, at 10 a.m. And 11 a.m. And sometimes afternoon sessions are scheduled if is necessary. Arguments are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in two-week intervals through late April.  An oral argument last one hour average, and attorneys are given 30 minutes each one to make a presentation and answer questions posed by the justices.


Jiyeon Shim

I’m a mother of 3 years old baby, however, I was so excited to go on a field trip like an elementary student because I wanted to be a fair and square judge when I was young. Thinking that I could have chance to meet justices whom I admire, I couldn’t sleep well the day before the field trip. It was an unexpected rainy day but I couldn’t calm myself down since Supreme Court is the place in charge of judicial power.

When I first entered the court room, I was a little bit surprised because the size of the room was smaller than I thought. However, it was beautiful and dignified. According to the movie from the Supreme Court, as the building was built during the Great Depression, it was able to build a nice building at a low price. The pillars made up of European marbles and pretty flower-shaped ceiling were impressive. Every people in the room was curious about the meaning of the flower, but the docent said that it has no meaning. The docent introduced Chief Justice Marshall, whose term in office was the longest among all justices. He contributed the main foundation of the U.S. constitutional analysis system, including the principle of judicial review. I could also see his statue in the building.

After the docent introduced John Marshall, she explained about the process of decision making in the Supreme Court. Once case is selected, decision for the case is made through oral argument. I was impressed that every people could see oral arguments. Justices have the exclusive chamber which make them not to be interfered from anyone else for the fair decisions.

There were 8 seats for justices because of the retirement of Anthony Kennedy. Pointing to the chairs, the docent explained the order in which the judges sit down. Following the rule of seniority, justices have their own seat. The docent asked us who is serving the longest among current justices. Most of us surmised Justice Ginsburg, but the answer was Clarence Thomas. He sit next to the chief justice on the right side. I was astonished when I heard their ages. Unless there is impeachment, justices may serve for the remainder of their lives. I thought that this rule could strengthen the judicial power.

Leaving the Supreme Court, I acknowledge that the majestic building and process of decision means that the Supreme Court represented judicial power. Once again, I could recognize again the importance of the separation of powers for justice. I hope that the separation of the three powers of the United States can be maintained as the judicial sphere has been preserved.

Presentations point to the power of persuasion

Students in professor Mary Freday's class presented posters recently in which they "pitched" a product — either one they invented or an existing one — and explained the choices they made when designing their advertisement.

Students had to use persuasive language in their poster. But beyond that, creativity was encouraged!

In three-minute presentations based on the posters, students had to cover the following points:

• Why did they choose this product?
• What is great about the product?
• Explain why they designed the ad they way they did.

See more photos in our Facebook album.

LCI Fairfax students tour Air and Space Museum

Students and faculty from the Language and Culture Institute in Fairfax took a field trip recently to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The museum maintains the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials.

Below, read two students' essays about the trip.

Saud Alhokiar 

As usual, LCI provides every new season's field trip to please that seems interesting as U.S. museums or pike neck. On 7 February 2018, we went to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum that please present old things such as airplane and who old people create this airplane. I get a lot of important information it was very useful. The place was crowded because many people want to see something related to the previous centuries however I had a great time. It was a good time with my friends. In conclusion, I like places that related to the past because I like to think how these people can create something even though they do not have an ability like the ability which in the modern life. Overall it has pretty and amazing please and I hope to visit this place again with my family in future.

      

Marta

My experience during the field trip was amazing. It was my first time, I saw the Air and Space Museum before I did not had enough information about Airplane and Moon rockets and the machines that were used in the world. All the machines that we saw were in their original form which was interesting for me especially I had chance to touch the moon stone. Special representative was assigned for us to give the detailed information about the background and history of the machines which I really liked. Now I am interested to take my friends to this Museum. Using metro was also great experience, I learned how to recharge my SMART card for future trips and I will be able to travel next time by myself and can see more Museums in DC because all of the Museums in DC are free, which is great. I learned a lot and had fun with my classmates in this trip.

Library of Congress field trip offers lessons in history

This month, students and faculty from Fairfax took a field trip to the Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States.

It is said that the Library of Congress is the world’s largest repository of knowledge and creativity, with a growing collection of more than 162 million items, including books, print materials, sound recordings, photographs, maps, sheet music, movies, and manuscripts.

The Library of Congress was established in 1800, when President John Adams signed a bill transferring the seat of the U.S. government to Washington. The legislation described a library of “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress.”

Read more about the field trip below.

Students get a feel for Floyd

LCI students pose for a picture in front of the famed Floyd Country Store.

While things may be relatively quiet in downtown Blacksburg during the summer, several LCI students learned on Friday, June 9, that downtown Floyd is the place to be.

Merchants were out in the market area with various handicrafts. Several were eager to ask the students where they were from and describe the items for sale (handmade whisk brooms, postcards, iron racks, tie-dyed clothing, and woolen knit hats to name a few).

As we made our way down the crowded sidewalk, we paused to listen to several bands playing along the street. Our ultimate destination was the Floyd Country Store, where we enjoyed listening to the old-time bluegrass music, watching people dance, and even trying a turn on the floor ourselves.

While no one in our group won a prize for having traveled the farthest — that prize went to a visitor from China — we all left with a renewed sense of hope that community and goodwill for all does exist and that music and traditions bind us all in this little corner of the world.

— Professor Bonnie Sumner

Student's volleyball team takes 2nd place at national tournament

LCI student Abdulrahman Alghamdi and his teammates on the Virginia Tech Men's Volleyball Club B team returned recently from Kansas City, Missouri, where they placed second in their division at the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation's National Championship Tournament.

Alghamdi, who's known as Bosha, says more than 400 teams competed in the tournament. He wrote a bit about his time in Kansas City — and about his gratitude for Virginia Tech.

Together we inspire, together we achieve

Bosha

My name is Abdulrahman Alghamdi, and my nickname is Bosha. I am a student at the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute. I have been in the U.S. for six months. I am proud to represent my country, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

I joined the Virginia Tech Men's Volleyball Club team. We played several tournaments away from Virginia Tech. The last tournament was the National Collegiate Club Volleyball Championships in Kansas City. There were more than 400 teams that participated in this tournament. We played many matches, and we got the second place after we lost the final game.

I want to say thank you so much to many people who supported me always, the LCI management, and my professors. They always help and encourage me.

Thank you to the club and all the guys I have practiced with. We did a great season. They have supported me from the start. I really appreciate it, and it has been the most beautiful time with them.

Thank you, Virginia Tech, for providing everything we need, and I hope to make more achievements for the name of Virginia Tech. Finally, I feel pride and gratitude for VT.

Students head to the Mall for monuments and cherry blossoms

Students and staff from the National Capital Region took a field trip recently to see the National Mall and the famous cherry blossoms. They got to see the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, as well as the area's beautiful cherry blossom trees.

See more photos and read students' essays about their trip below:

Students get their day in court

A group of LCI students and faculty members from the National Capital Region took a field trip recently to the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Click below to read what some of the students had to say about their trip.

Students, staff saddle up and hit the trail

“When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes.”
― William Shakespeare, Henry V

Lamya Almuhiza gets some advice. 

When students from the LCI visited Winterfrost Farm in Radford this month, they could certainly appreciate these words from Shakespeare regarding the horse by the time they had completed an hour trail ride.

It was the first time that Faisal Alhamdan, Abdulwahab Alzahrani, Ibrahim Hamdan, Junyuan Pang, and Dekai Yu had ridden a horse, but judging by the smiles on their faces, it will not be the last. Lamya Almuhiza is an experienced rider who went with the group.

Riding for the first time as an adult can be intimidating. A friend of Dekai Yu’s had warned him that people often fall from horses. Ibrahim Hamdan said he had no idea what to expect. Those thoughts may have been on the minds of other students as Sheila Palmer Miles, owner and operator of this horse rescue, greeted everyone with enthusiasm. She gave a brief lesson on mounting, guiding, and other tips to make the ride enjoyable and safe for both horse and rider. After students mounted up, they took a trial ride around the indoor arena before heading out on the trail.

Junyuan Pang on the trail.

The trail began in an open field with views of the surrounding mountains. Before heading into the woods, students faced an unusual obstacle in having to pass through a narrow gate with an overhead bar. The coolness of the woods rewarded all with its freshness. After meandering up and down hills, students were able to look out over the New River and see the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech on the other side. Faisal Alhamdan exclaimed, “Breathtaking!” when he recalled seeing the view.

As herd animals, horses like to stay together, so if a few fell behind, they moved into a quick trot to catch up. All of the LCI students, including first-time riders, were straight in the saddle as if they had been riding since childhood. As the group approached the barn on the final leg of the trail, everyone felt that the experience had ended too quickly. Students lingered a bit after dismounting to reward their horses with carrots. After bidding a reluctant farewell to horses and stable hands, the group headed back to Blacksburg.

Sondra Schreiber gets some tips.

With a few days to reflect on the experience of the trail ride, Ibrahim Hamdan stated that the ride was one of the best experiences he has had since he came to the LCI, and he looks forward to returning to Winterfrost Farm in the not too distant future. Abdulwahab Alzahrani was still smiling and enthusiastic about the opportunity for a trail ride. By the way, since Ibrahim, Abdulwahab and Faisal were in a group with the trail leaders, they have been affectionately named “The Three Amigos!”

A note about Winterfrost Farm: It is a horse rescue caring for abused horses that have been confiscated by Animal Control as well as horses whose owners can no longer afford to care for them or who no longer want them. Trail ride fees help provide feed, vaccinations, farrier work, and other needs of the horses. There are numerous volunteers who assist with the horses’ care and accompany riders on the trail. For more information, or to schedule a ride, check out their website.

The LCI group hits the trail.

Dekai Yu sits in the saddle as a volunteer checks the tightness of the girth.

Sheila Palmer Miles of Winterfrost Farm gives a demonstration. 

Ibrahim Hamdan

Abdulwahab Alzahrani

Faisal Alhamdan

Students tour exhibit that shows Islamic world through women's eyes

LCI students tour the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Last week, students and faculty in Fairfax took a field trip to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. There, they saw an exhibition, "She Who Tells a Story."

This landmark exhibition of more than 80 photographs and a video installation challenges stereotypes surrounding the people, landscapes, and cultures of Iran and the Arab world. "She Who Tells a Story" refutes the conventional idea that Arab and Iranian women are oppressed or powerless, illuminating the fact that women are creating some of the most significant photographic work in the region today.

Their provocative works, most created within the past decade, include portraiture, documentary, and staged narratives. Many of the artists develop expansive series of images that create compelling narratives about feminine identity, war, occupation, and protest.

Below, read essays by two students on their reactions to the field trip.

Students see the sights of Richmond during weekend tour

“Virginia is for Lovers,” and the weekend of April 30-May 1, LCI students Tianyi Li, Jia Liu, Turki Alzahrani, Ibrahim Hamdan, Han Liu, Shirong Kou, Anye Wang, and Shiwei Yu experienced a glimpse of the history and art of Virginia to love.

Accompanied by Pat Turner, Sondra Schreiber, and Bonnie Sumner, the group began its tour on the west end of Monument Avenue in Richmond. From the statue of Arthur Ashe, the first African-American to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon and the first African-American to be ranked No. 1 in the world, to the statues of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jeb Stuart, the students learned that while Virginia was the capital of the Confederacy, the people of the commonwealth have embraced all who impacted not only the history of Virginia, but also of the United States.

Continuing on the street that becomes Franklin Street, the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University added splashes of artwork and color to the residences.

The first stop was the Virginia State Capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson.
The capitol is home to the General Assembly, the oldest legislature continuously operating in the Western Hemisphere. The rotunda houses a life-size statue of George Washington sculpted by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon. A statue of Robert E. Lee is placed in the old hall of the House of Representatives at the exact spot where Lee, who had resigned his commission with the United States Army, accepted command of Virginia’s military and naval forces. The Governors’ Gallery just outside of the Governor’s Office includes portraits of L. Douglas Wilder, the first African-American elected governor in the United States, and Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, former governors who are now U.S. senators.

After spending time at the capitol, the group headed to Church Hill, the oldest neighborhood in Richmond and the location of historic St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ray, an interpreter in colonial attire, described the building as it would have looked in March 1775, when Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech, which gave birth to the American Revolution. The group learned that three key figures in attendance that day have special epithets for their roles in the Revolution: George Washington, the sword; Patrick Henry, the words; and Thomas Jefferson, the pen. Ray offered a special thank you to the LCI group and graciously answered questions after his presentation.

It had been a busy day, and there was just enough time to check in to the hotel in the historic Shockoe Slip area of Richmond before heading to a canal tour. Cotton, an enthusiastic captain, regaled the group with descriptions of how the canal had been designed by George Washington in order to provide passage for ships west of the fall line in the James River at Richmond. Dressed in period clothing, Cotton had a surprise as he gave each student an opportunity to pilot the boat.

Following the canal trip, Bottoms Up, perhaps the most famous pizza restaurant in the city, was the site for dinner.

Sunday morning, everyone had a plentiful breakfast at Joe’s Inn in Richmond’s historic Fan district. Most everyone ordered the “big breakfast,” which consisted of two eggs, three pieces of French toast, home-cooked potatoes, choice of meat, and biscuits.

After breakfast, the group went to the Virginia Historical Society. One of the special exhibits is "The Story of Virginia," which is a travel through 16,000 years of time. The historical society has the only portrait of the Powhatan Indian Pocahontas. Pocahontas sat for the portrait in England after traveling there with her husband, John Rolfe.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was the final location in Richmond. Here, all had an opportunity to peruse collections on their own.

On the return trip, the group made a brief stop at Appomattox Court House, location of the surrender of Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant, ending the U.S. Civil War on April 9, 1865.

The trip provided a glimpse of Virginia that most of the students had not visited before. While the students enjoyed what Richmond had to offer historically and culturally, they also had an opportunity to spend time with other students with whom they made new connections.

LCI@RU students volunteer at Radford's Beans and Rice

Daniel Doolittle (second from left), an AmeriCorps volunteer from Pulaski, Virginia, shows LCI@RU students how to set up the weekly food distribution site. The students (from right to left), Almandhar Al-Rawahi of Oman, Ahmed Khaled of Jordan, Abdulrhman Alalshaikh of Saudi Arabia, and Faisal Aljaber of Saudi Arabia, loaded the trailer with boxes of donated food.

Students at the Language and Culture Institute at Radford University volunteered recently with Beans and Rice Inc. The Radford nonprofit works to improve the economic well-being of low- to moderate-income families through hunger relief, afterschool programs that improve educational opportunity for at-risk children, job creation for low- to moderate-income families, and savings programs that help families buy their first home and children save for education.

The LCI@RU students helped set up the weekly food distribution center and distributed donated food. Read about their experiences below.

See photos from Wednesday's reception with University Honors and the Corps of Cadets

The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute welcomed members of the Corps of Cadets and University Honors for a community connections reception that included snacks and ice-breaker games.
Posted by Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute on Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Students tour the Library of Congress

Students from the National Capital Region recently got an up-close look at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Read some of their reflections and see photos from their field trip.